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2004/03/18, 11:27 AM
kepp a small, rolled up towel under your low back.
I am trained in the other type of pilates - which focuses on maintaining the small curve in your lumbar spine - that is actaully being found to be better for your spine than pressing it flat into the mat becasue when you press it flat you are really pushing those discs out (I know one person with severe back issues from years of being told to push her back into the mat during ab work).
The best thing to do is stabilize with your whole core so that your natural curve (about 1 inch between your low back and the floor) is maintained and is held strong throughout the movements. The stress comes when you overextend and that curve starts to increase (more space between your back and the floor). Stay in a range of motion that you can control the one inch space, it may help to use a towel or to place one hand, palm down, under your low back while you get used to the position. Good luck!
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"To be able to go to the gym and train hard is a joy and a privelege, even though the hard work necessitates driving yourself through considerable discomfort. Savor this privelege and blessing, and revel in it."
Stuart McRobert, Beyond Brawn
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